That's the irony of success. A campaign Abbott opposed and threatened to dump at the last election has been won. And all the indicators suggest he is on track to speak for Australia in the world as prime minister.

On top of the world ... Australia's Foreign Minister Bob Carr, centre, and Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gary Quinlan , left, greet delegates. Photo: AFP

Australia has no such natural bloc of support.

A temporary spot on the council is important but not all-powerful and, of course, the permanent members count more. But Australia now has a chance to shape the agenda, and put its own perspective on the major issues of the day, not rely on others.

The UN needs countries such as Australia to aspire for a better world, even in the face of setbacks.

The breezy criticism of the UN as slow to act, overly bureaucratic and as a platform for dictators ignores the complexity of trying to get 193 distinct and diverse countries to agree on anything.

The UN needs countries such as Australia to aspire for a better world, even in the face of setbacks.

Complaints that this $24 million bid saw Australia madly splashing around additional aid money in an effort to buy votes are misplaced.

The aid budget does need to be carefully scrutinised, but it is the rush to spend more on development that needs to be assessed, a separate question to the bid.

Australia ran a good campaign on our merits. The hard work now begins.